Scottish Government-led Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Scotland (PAW Scotland) is urging boat and marine craft operators to respect Scotland’s marine wildlife after reports of operators getting too close to dolphins, orcas and even humpback whales. Areas currently being investigated include Chanonry Point in the Moray Firth, Aberdeen Harbour, Broughty Ferry in the Firth of Tay and also Shetland where one photographer in a boat circled a pod of killer whales too closely and split the pod.
Whales, dolphins and porpoises are protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 which includes protection from disturbance, harassment, killing and injury, with offences subject to a fine of up to £5,000 . It is essential that anyone out on the water familiarise themselves with the codes of conducts available as pleading ignorance is no longer a defence.
